KAUA'I

in offering ALOHA we say: Come share my space, come share my breath

Puna Kalama Dawson, my kumu hula (hula teacher) travels worldwide to bring peace and wisdom: ''Aloha, as I was raised to understand, speaks to many things but especially the ''Alo'', to recognize the space and area that we live in, and the ''ha'', the breath. The word ALOHA also identifies the different characteristics of the people of these islands.'' Akahai kindness Lokahi to be inclusive, promote unity Olu'olu - to be agreeable and listen Ha'aha'a - to be humble, and Ahonui to be patient in describing where we live and the responsibility of this land. The deep truth of this culture is expressed through living indigenous keepers of wisdom such as Puna Kalama Dawson. Her Presence and generous giving spirit impacted me and many others deeply. She says:''You have to know who you are and where you come from, to understand why you are doing what you are doing.'' She knows about the importance of this time and that we ALL are family - not only some.

It is important to continue to promote that attitude of a family of unity and understanding the word HAWAII. Ha the breath, Wai the waters - the waters we drink, the waters that we are connected to by the ocean, the birth waters, the waters within us; and I or I'O Nalani, the Universal Spirit that says that we, human kind, are all of Hawai'i, we are all Hawaiian (of the breath and the waters of Spirit).

My time on Kaua'i reconnected me deeply with my Creative Soul, showing me many of my gifts for which I am eternally grateful. Kaua'i and Her people reflected to me what I always knew to be true: It IS indeed possible to live in harmony like we are DESIGNED to do: Breathing PEACEs of the ONE and joyously express our higher selves. Rich, inclusive, and in deep connection, I felt the delightful Spirit of ALOHA flow through all my expression - and it hasn't stopped. This paradise island is a generous garden of love, laughter, hula and huna, beauty, magic, wonders and ancient wisdom, holding the space of LOVE - until it comes alive within us

﻿Therefore, it is our kuleana to protect this and any land, the whole of Earth is a sacred space. In an environment of such love and respect it is easy to love yourself and others. May this re-emerge everywhere. May we shift from mind into heart. It is in co-creation and collaboration that we are able to make our most beautiful dreams real, because every single unique individual carries one PEACE of the puzzle, and together we can create and experience, what one of us alone would never have. Thanks to you all. This is the time - and we are the ones. We are leaders all. With reverence and love, oxo Tanya von Zychlinsky

Kuleana is one's personal sense of responsibility. The person possessing Kuleana, believes in the strength of this value, and will be quick to say, “I accept my responsibilities, and I will be held accountable.” (courtesy of 'Managing with Aloha')